Chemical dispensing attachment

ABSTRACT

A chemical dispensing attachment that provides a cost effective, non lethal alternative to the sometimes lethal taser and other more severe and/or painful means to subdue an assailant. Two forms of tactical gear are combined, namely a flashlight and oleoresin capsicum, or any aerosol with contents under pressure, without having to modify the flashlight itself. The attachment is adaptable to almost any conventional and weapons mounted flashlight by attaching to the rear. It can be adaptable for a variety of sizes and allows the operator to keep the light on the target, and if necessary immediately dispense the chemical to subdue the target. A multi positional easy touch trigger can be moved to accommodate handheld or weapons mounted light systems. Using a simple battery operated pressure switch could also be used to activate the firing mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/829,138 filed on Oct. 11, 2006 and entitled “Parasitical Chemical Dispensing Sleeve That Attaches To Rear Of Flashlights”, and which is incorporated herewith by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a parasitical chemical dispensing sleeve that attaches to the rear of most flashlights.

BACKGROUND

Flashlights are well known and are used as tools in many professions. For example, in the line of police work, police officers who find it necessary to question an individual after dark use flashlights to assist them in seeing the suspect. Frequently, only a flashlight will be used, but sometimes police officers will use flashlights having the ability to fire pepper spray for self-defense. These pepper spraying flashlight solutions are costly and require modification or alteration of the flashlight itself. Additionally, these pepper spraying flashlights are bulky and do not work with any existing equipment. Therefore, what is needed is a parasitical chemical dispensing sleeve that attaches to the rear of a flashlight, and which allows chemicals to be discharged from the flashlight without altering the light itself, are not bulky and which is adaptable to existing lights.

SUMMARY

A parasitical chemical dispensing sleeve that attaches to the rear of most flashlights, which allows chemicals to be discharged from the flashlight without altering the flashlight itself. The sleeve attaches to the rear of a flashlight. This sleeve houses contents under pressure and these contents are released when the trigger is pressed.

The first half of the sleeve preferably attaches to the rear of the flashlight. The remainder of the sleeve houses the firing mechanism and at least one canister, which can be re-loaded or replaced. A multi-position easy touch trigger is preferred as the dispensing mechanism, but other triggers, buttons, push buttons and switches can certainly be incorporated instead.

The design of the sleeve is such that it is adaptable to almost any conventional and weapons-mountable flashlight by attaching to the rear without being obtrusive. Existing chemical dispersing units modify or change the flashlight itself. The dispensing attachment described herein is a parasitical unit and is an entity unto itself. Due to the simple cost-effective design, the sleeve can be offered in many sizes for law enforcement, military, and civilian applications.

The preferred way to make the sleeve is with injected molded plastic, resin, or anything that can be molded and hardened to fit the design of the sleeve, and remain cost-effective for multiple sizes. The first half of the sleeve is designed to slide over the rear of the flashlight, and comprises a cutaway should the flashlight have a rear-mounted switch, or act as a channel for pressure switch-activated weapons-mountable flashlights. The second half of the sleeve houses the batteries, loading hub, and firing mechanism.

The pressure switch trigger cord and chemical delivery channel or conduit emerge from the sleeve and conform to the length of the flashlight and contour to the head. Both are secured to the flashlight with clamps or straps. The trigger can be moved for weapons-mounted lights or adjusted for ease of operation on handheld flashlights. This same design can be used with a flexible conduit that can conform to various flashlights.

In another embodiment, the sleeve can be made with injected molded plastic. The first half of the sleeve is designed to slide over the rear of the flashlight, and comprises a cutaway should the flashlight have a rear-mounted switch, or act as a channel for pressure switch-activated weapons-mounted flashlights. Emerging from the first half of the sleeve is a hardened chemical delivery channel pre-formed to fit a specific flashlight, so the sleeve, conduit and clamps are all one piece. The second half of the sleeve houses the batteries, loading hub, and firing mechanism. The pressure switch trigger cord emerges from the sleeve and can be secured to the flashlight next to the conduit, or can be moved for weapons-mounted flashlights or adjusted for ease of operation on handheld flashlights.

In still another embodiment, the sleeve attaches to the rear of a flashlight. The sleeve houses contents under pressure and these contents are released when the trigger is pressed. The first half of the sleeve attaches to the rear of the flashlight, while the remainder of the sleeve houses the firing mechanism and reloadable canisters. The multi-positional trigger is depressed so that the chemical that is housed in the canister at the end of the sleeve delivers a burst of its contents through the conduit that travels the length of the flashlight and out the nozzle to where the light is pointed. The conduit can be formed fitted for specific lights or flexible for multi light adaptation.

In still another embodiment, the sleeve is attached to the rear of a flashlight by sliding over the rear and secured into place. The second half of the sleeve houses the batteries, loading hub, and firing mechanism. Emerging from the first half of the sleeve is a hardened chemical delivery channel pre-formed to fit a specific light, so the sleeve, conduit and clamps are all one piece. The pressure switch trigger cord emerges from the sleeve and can be secured to the light next to the conduit, or can be moved for weapons-mounted lights or adjusted for ease of operation on handheld lights. The multi-positional trigger is depressed so that the chemical that is housed in the canister at the end of the sleeve delivers a burst of its contents through the conduit that travels the length of the flashlight and out the nozzle to where the light is pointed.

The described attachment provides a non-lethal self defense/tactical pepper spray or other chemical delivery device that can be combined with a flashlight. In another embodiment, the described attachment provides a non-lethal self defense/tactical pepper spray or other chemical delivery device that can be combined with a firearm. The attachment provides a non-lethal self defense/tactical pepper spray or other chemical delivery device that is more cost effective than previous solutions, and which can be attached to existing equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details are explained below with the help of the examples illustrated in the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the chemical dispensing attachment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the chemical dispensing attachment mounted on a flashlight.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a weapons-mountable flashlight.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the chemical dispensing attachment mounted on a flashlight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A parasitical chemical dispensing attachment 10 that attaches to the rear of most flashlights is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The attachment 10 includes sleeve 12 that attaches to the rear of a flashlight 14 (FIG. 14) and houses contents under pressure. The contents are released when a trigger is pressed. One portion of the sleeve is configured to attach to the rear of the flashlight 14, while the remainder of the sleeve houses the firing mechanism and one or more reloadable canisters containing the contents under pressure. A suitable trigger is provided for initiating discharge of the pressurized contents.

The sleeve 12 is shaped so as to fit on the end of the flashlight. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 12 is generally cylindrical. However, the sleeve can be only partially cylindrical, for example have a circumferential extent of less than 360 degrees, or any shape as long as the sleeve can be secured to the flashlight and hold the chemical agent and other necessary components. The sleeve 12 can be made of materials, for example plastic or metal, suitable for the intended purposes of the sleeve 12 and to provide adequate durability.

The sleeve 12 includes an open end 20 configured to be disposed on an end of the flashlight 14, and an opposite end 22 for holding one or more canisters 24 containing contents under pressure such as pepper spray or other chemical agent. The sleeve 12 is generally hollow between the ends 20, 22 sufficient to allow the sleeve 12 to fit onto the end of the flashlight and allow reception of the one or more canisters 24. The end 22 is illustrated as being open with the canister 24 extending beyond the end 22. However, the canister 24 can be totally encompassed within the sleeve if desired, or a removable cap can be provided that connects to the end 22 to enclose the end of the canister 24.

A hub 26 is provided within the sleeve 12 between the ends 20, 22. The hub 26 generally separates the sleeve into separate chambers, forms a suitable mount for connection with the dispensing end of the canister 24, and houses a firing mechanism for actuating dispensing of chemical agent from the canister 24. When used on a flashlight that is activated by a push button switch near the rear of the flashlight, the sleeve 12 can include a cut out or slot 28 that is large enough to permit insertion of a user's finger, for example the user's thumb, therethrough, for activation of the switch.

In addition, one or more fasteners 30 are provided for securing the sleeve 12 to the flashlight 14. For example, the fastener 30 can be a clamp similar to a hose clamp. However, any fastener that is suitable for securing the sleeve 12 to the flashlight can be used.

A hollow conduit 32 is fluidly connected at one end 34 thereof to the hub 26 so as to receive the chemical agent dispensed from the canister. The conduit 32 is any suitable conduit that can direct the dispensed chemical agent dispensed from the canister to a tip end 36 thereof, and that can withstand degradation from the chemical agent. For example, the conduit can be made of rubber or plastic. In addition, the conduit 32 is preferably flexible to enable it to bend and conform to differently shaped flashlights and to allow change in dispensing position of the tip end 36. The conduit 32 is shown as including a nozzle 38 at the tip end 36 to allow the user to adjust the spray.

One or more fasteners 40 are provided along the length of the conduit 32 for use in securing the conduit to the flashlight. The fasteners 40 can be the same type of fastener as the fastener 30 or different. For example, the fasteners 40 can be clamps similar to hose clamps, although other types of fasteners can be used.

A trigger 42 is also provided for activating firing of the chemical agent. The trigger 42 can be any type of trigger suitable for activating dispensing of the chemical agent. For example, the trigger can be an easy touch trigger. A flexible trigger cord 44 connects the trigger 42 to the firing mechanism in the hub 26. The trigger cord 44 preferably runs along the majority of the conduit 32 and is secured to the flashlight using the fasteners 40. An opening 46 is provided in the sleeve 12 through which the conduit 32 and the trigger cord 44 extend to the hub 26.

The firing mechanism in the hub 26 is preferably an electric firing mechanism that activates dispensing of the chemical agent upon receiving a signal from the trigger 42. A battery housing 48 is provided at a suitable location in the sleeve 12, for example in front of the hub 26 near the cut out 28. One or more batteries can be secured in the battery housing to provide electrical power for powering the firing mechanism. If desired, dispensing of the chemical agent can be done mechanically via a direct mechanical linkage between a trigger and the dispensing end of the canister.

The conduit 32 is illustrated as including a flexible connector 50. The connector 50 facilitates movement of the conduit over contours of the flashlight, for example the change in contour between the constant diameter section of the flashlight and the bulb end of the flashlight.

FIG. 2 shows the attachment 10 mounted on the flashlight 14. The fastener 30 secures the sleeve 12 to the flashlight, while the fasteners 40 secure the conduit 32 and the trigger cord 44 to the flashlight. The length of the sleeve 12 is denoted by “L”. As illustrated, the sleeve 12 extends onto only a portion of the rear of the flashlight. In other, embodiments, the sleeve could extend onto the flashlight up to the hub 26.

Further, the positioning of the attachment 10 is not limited to the rear of the flashlight. The sleeve 12 and the canister 24 position can be configured such that the attachment is secured to a central portion of the flashlight, with the rear end of the flashlight extending past the canister. Therefore, in keeping with the concepts described herein, the positioning of the attachment on the flashlight is not limited to just the rear of the flashlight.

FIG. 3 illustrates a weapons mountable flashlight 100 that can be used with the concepts described herein. The flashlight 100 includes a switch 102 for activating the flashlight. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an attachment 110, similar to the attachment 10, connected to the flashlight 100. The attachment 110 includes a sleeve 112, that is generally similar to the sleeve 12, holding a chemical agent canister 114 connected to a hub 116 having a firing mechanism 118. The attachment 110 also includes a conduit 120 with an adjustable nozzle 122. A trigger 124 and a trigger cord 126 connect to the firing mechanism. The sleeve 112 also includes a cut-out 128 through which the cord and switch 102 extend from the flashlight.

In this embodiment, the switch 102 and the trigger 124 can be conveniently located on the weapon to which the flashlight is connected.

The description and drawings indicate that the attachment is attached to a flashlight. However, the attachment can also be attached to other equipment in which it may be appropriate to be able to deliver a non-lethal self-defense or tactical chemical agent. For example, the attachment can be configured to attach to a firearm.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A chemical dispensing attachment comprising: a sleeve adapted to be attached to the rear of a flashlight having a hollow end with a cutaway that slides on the rear of a flashlight and a junction that houses at least one battery; a firing mechanism and a hub where at least one canister containing a chemical is loaded; at least one trigger cord; at least one chemical delivery channel; wherein the at least one trigger cord and the at least one chemical delivery channel originate at the junction externally and run the length of the flashlight, and are secured to the flashlight with at least one fastener.
 2. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the firing mechanism is a multi-position easy touch trigger.
 3. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the canister contains an aerosolized chemical.
 4. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 3 wherein the aerosolized chemical is oleoresin capsicum.
 5. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a clamp.
 6. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the canister is reloadable.
 7. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the chemical delivery channel conforms to the head of the flashlight.
 8. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the trigger cord runs down the length of the flashlight.
 9. The chemical dispensing attachment of claim 1 wherein the trigger cord runs adjacent to the chemical delivery channel.
 10. A chemical dispensing attachment comprising: a sleeve adapted to be attached to a firearm having a hollow end with a cutaway that slides on the rear of the firearm and a junction that houses at least one battery; a firing mechanism and a hub where at least one canister containing a chemical is loaded; at least one trigger cord; at least one chemical delivery channel; wherein the at least one trigger cord and the at least one chemical delivery channel originate at the junction externally and run the length of the firearm, and are secured to firearm with at least one fastener. 